Pima County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pima County are official documents created when an individual is detained by law enforcement and booked into custody. These records serve essential functions for public transparency and oversight under the Arizona Public Records Law, A.R.S. § 39-121. They document the circumstances of a detention and provide accountability for law enforcement activity.

Unlike general government records, sensitive "criminal offender record information" is regulated separately under A.R.S. § 41-1750, which restricts the dissemination of detailed criminal histories. Arrest records are used by courts, law enforcement agencies, defense attorneys, and members of the public to monitor a case's progress, evaluate custody status, or initiate post-arrest remedies such as expungement or sealing. They also provide historical documentation that assists in due diligence, employment background checks, and case verification.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Arizona?

Arizona law provides broad public access to government records, including arrest records. Under A.R.S. § 39-121, the public may inspect and obtain copies of records maintained by public bodies. This general rule of transparency applies to law enforcement agencies in Pima County.

However, the release of detailed criminal history is restricted by A.R.S. § 41-1750, which governs the dissemination of criminal offender record information by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The law limits disclosure of sensitive information, ensuring that only specific categories of entities, such as courts, law enforcement, or authorized employers, may access complete histories.

While arrest records are generally accessible, some information is exempt from disclosure:

• Juvenile records are confidential under A.R.S. § 8-208 and released only under court order.
• Records that could interfere with ongoing investigations may be withheld.
• The victim(s) and witness details, such as Names, addresses, and personal information, are redacted under A.R.S. § 13-4401 et seq.
• Court-ordered sealed or expunged records are removed from public view.

The guiding principle remains transparency, balanced against privacy and safety considerations. For example, if a burglary case is still under investigation, officers may redact portions of the arrest record that reveal investigative strategies or the identity of confidential informants. Likewise, in sensitive cases such as sexual assault, the victim's name and address will never appear in the public copy. This approach ensures the community can still verify the fact of an arrest while protecting individuals from harm or harassment.

Pima County Arrest Search

Searching for arrest information in Pima County can be done at both the state and county levels.

At the state level, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages statewide criminal records. Public background checks can be requested through the DPS Criminal History Records Section. These fingerprint-based checks provide official statewide criminal history but are restricted to the individual requesting their own record or to authorized agencies. Individuals must complete an application, obtain a fingerprint card, and submit the required processing fee to request a record. The DPS typically responds within fifteen business days, though timelines may vary. This fingerprint-based system ensures that records are matched accurately, since names and dates of birth can be duplicated across individuals. For instance, a common name like "John Smith" may result in multiple local arrests in different jurisdictions, but fingerprints confirm whether they belong to the same person.

At the federal level, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides Identity History Summary Checks, commonly known as FBI background checks. These fingerprint-based requests supply a record of arrests reported to the FBI by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The summary may include arrest dates, charges filed, and outcomes, if reported by the submitting jurisdiction. Requests are processed by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, the nation's central repository for criminal justice records. Although these background summaries provide valuable information, they are not comprehensive court records. They reflect only what has been reported to the FBI and may not include expunged or sealed records. Employers, licensing boards, or immigration authorities often require these reports because they represent the most centralized federal record.

At the county level, Pima County agencies maintain their own records. Requests may be directed to the arresting agency, such as the Pima County Sheriff's Department, or to municipal police departments within the county. Court case files may also be accessed through the Pima County Superior Court and the Pima County Justice Courts.

Pima County Inmate Locator

The Pima County Sheriff's Department provides an Inmate Lookup Tool through its official website for arrests that result in custody. This tool allows the public to search for individuals currently held in Pima County correctional facilities by name or booking number. The database provides booking details, charges, bond amounts, and custody status.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department operates the main detention facilities:

The online search system is updated regularly and is one of the most direct routes to locate recent arrest records. Formal records requests must be submitted to the Sheriff's Records Section for older records or certified copies. The Inmate Lookup Tool typically provides real-time information on custody status, including whether the individual has been released, transferred, or remains in detention. For example, family members may use the search system to confirm whether a bond has been posted. Employers conducting due diligence can also check whether an applicant is currently in custody, avoiding situations where a candidate conceals recent arrests.

Active Warrant Search in Pima County

An arrest warrant is a judicial order authorizing law enforcement to take an individual into custody. It is issued by a judge or magistrate upon a showing of probable cause, as required under Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1. Warrants include the individual's name, charges, and authorization for arrest.

In Pima County, the Sheriff's Department Warrant Unitmaintains records of active warrants. While a public online warrant search is not available, inquiries can be made directly with the Warrants Section.

Members of the public may confirm whether an active warrant exists, though full details are not always disclosed over the phone for safety and privacy reasons. Court clerks at the Pima County Superior Court may also provide docket information related to outstanding warrants.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Pima

There are several no-cost avenues for obtaining arrest records in Pima County.

• The Sheriff's Inmate Locator provides free access to custody and booking records online.
• The Pima County Superior Court and Justice Courts offer online docket access to pending and past cases. Case summaries and registers of action are typically available without charge at the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Portal.
• Public terminals at Pima County courthouses allow in-person access to records.

Free searches may be limited in scope. Full arrest reports, certified copies, or historical files often require a formal request and applicable fees. Additionally, identity verification may be necessary to access certain services.

Pima Arrest Report

An arrest record and an arrest report are distinct documents.

• Arrest record: A summary entry showing an arrest. It lists the individual's name, booking number, date, charges, and custody status.
• Arrest report: A narrative prepared by the arresting officer at the time of arrest. It describes the circumstances of the arrest, evidence collected, witness statements, and probable cause.

Arrest reports are typically maintained by the arresting law enforcement agency, such as the Pima County Sheriff's Department or Tucson Police Department. Requests for arrest reports are made through the agency's records division and may be subject to redaction under A.R.S. § 39-121.01. For instance, an arrest record may only show "arrested for DUI, released on bond". In contrast, the arrest report will include details such as the officer's observations of impaired driving, results of a breath test, and statements from passengers. Because arrest reports provide context and evidence, they are frequently requested by defense attorneys, insurance companies, or journalists researching a case.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Pima

Arizona allows for the sealing or expungement of certain arrest records. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, individuals arrested but not convicted may petition the court to seal records if charges were dismissed, no charges were filed, or the individual was acquitted.

Arizona provides a "set aside" remedy for convictions under A.R.S. § 13-905. This remedy vacates the judgment of guilt and dismisses the charges. While not the same as expungement, a set-aside reduces the collateral impact of a conviction.

The expungement process generally involves:

• Filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction (Superior Court or Justice Court).
• Providing case details such as docket number, arrest date, and disposition.
• Serving the petition on the prosecuting agency.
• Attending a court hearing if required.

For assistance, the Pima County Public Defender's Office and local legal aid organizations may provide guidance.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records From the Internet?

Even after expungement or sealing, arrest records may remain on third-party websites. Removal often requires additional steps:

• Court Orders: Provide proof of expungement or sealing to third-party sites.
• Opt-Out Requests: Many websites allow individuals to request removal by submitting forms and documentation.
• Search Engine Tools: Outdated content may be removed from search results using the Google Outdated Content Tool
• Reputation Services: Some private companies assist with suppressing or removing arrest-related content.

The most effective long-term strategy is securing an official court order sealing or setting aside the record, which reduces the likelihood of new postings.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Under Arizona law, public arrest records typically contain the following information:

• Full name of the arrested individual
• Booking number and arrest date
• Arresting agency
• Location of arrest
• Alleged offenses or charges
• Custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
• Bond or bail amount
• Court case number, if charges are filed
• Warrant number, if applicable
• Detention facility location

Confidential information, such as juvenile records, victim details, medical records, and sealed case information, is not included in public-facing arrest records. In practice, this means a member of the public may see that a person was arrested for aggravated assault on a specific date and is currently in custody at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex, but will not see the victim's name, witness statements, or the specific investigative methods used by law enforcement.